VTuber Kizuna AI appeared as the winner of the VTuber Category at the 1st Japan Oshikatsu Awards 2026 ceremony held in Tokyo on October 7. Recognized as a pioneering figure in VTuber culture, the virtual idol received her trophy through an “across dimensions” presentation in which a physical trophy placed inside a transfer box appeared in a virtual version of the box on her monitor.
Kizuna AI expressing love for her fans at the 1st Japan Oshikatsu Awards 2026 ceremony © ORICON NewS inc.
Quick Summary
– Kizuna AI received the VTuber Category award at the inaugural Japan Oshikatsu Awards 2026.
– Her trophy was presented through a performance connecting a physical transfer box at the venue with a virtual box on screen.
– Kizuna AI said she was honored that VTuber culture had been recognized with its own award category.
– She said she supports VTuber culture as a whole and hopes the community will continue growing together.
Kizuna AI Receives Trophy “Across Dimensions”
Kizuna AI on stage at the 1st Japan Oshikatsu Awards 2026 ceremony © ORICON NewS inc.
Kizuna AI appeared at the 1st Japan Oshikatsu Awards 2026 ceremony in Tokyo on October 7 as the winner of the VTuber Category.
The award presentation incorporated Kizuna AI’s virtual nature into the ceremony.
A presenter placed the physical trophy inside a real transfer box at the venue. The trophy then appeared from a two-dimensional version of the transfer box displayed on the monitor where Kizuna AI was appearing.
Kizuna AI took the trophy from the virtual box, completing the “across dimensions” presentation.
Kizuna AI Says VTuber Culture Being Recognized Is an Honor
Kizuna AI on stage at the 1st Japan Oshikatsu Awards 2026 ceremony © ORICON NewS inc.
Speaking about the award, Kizuna AI said her activities have always centered on connecting with people.
“My theme has always been wanting to connect with all of you humans, and I think oshikatsu is also about the connection with fans,” she said.
She added that she was honored to be chosen for the first edition of an award centered on that sense of connection.
Kizuna AI also welcomed the creation of a dedicated VTuber category.
“I’m very honored that the VTuber culture I’m said to have started has been recognized and established as its own category,” she said.
Kizuna AI Says She Supports VTuber Culture as a Whole
Asked what she herself supports, Kizuna AI answered that it is “VTuber culture as a whole.”
She jokingly noted that because she is described as one of the originators of VTubers, the entire culture becoming more popular also raises her own standing.
“I want everyone to raise each other up and expand the culture together, so I support all VTubers,” she said.
Live Events Make Fan Support Feel More Real
Kizuna AI also spoke about what she values in her relationship with fans.
Because most of her activities take place online, she said performing live at physical venues gives her the opportunity to see fans’ faces directly.
She described being happy to realize that there are real people behind the text and numbers she sees online who are supporting her.
She also mentioned seeing fans take photos with her merchandise, saying moments like those make her feel that she is part of their everyday lives.
About the Japan Oshikatsu Awards
The Japan Oshikatsu Awards were established in October 2026 and held for the first time this year.
The awards select and honor people, groups and characters from various industries and fields that have contributed to spreading oshikatsu culture, based on voting.
The event is held alongside Oshikatsu EXPO, a large-scale business exhibition in Japan specializing in the oshikatsu market.
Other participants included Kento Nakajima in the Male Idol Category; AKB48 members Narumi Kuranoo, Airi Sato, Azuki Yagi and Momoka Ito in the Female Idol Category; Shoko Nakagawa in the Talent Category; and Pompompurin in the Character Category.
Kimi Onoda, a member of the House of Councillors selected for the Politics Category, was absent from the ceremony.
Q1. What award did Kizuna AI win?
A1. Kizuna AI received the VTuber Category award at the 1st Japan Oshikatsu Awards 2026.
Q2. How was Kizuna AI’s trophy presented?
A2. A physical trophy was placed in a real transfer box at the venue and then appeared inside a virtual transfer box on Kizuna AI’s monitor as part of an “across dimensions” performance.
Q3. What did Kizuna AI say she supports?
A3. She said she supports VTuber culture as a whole and wants VTubers to help elevate one another and expand the culture together.
Q4. What are the Japan Oshikatsu Awards?
A4. The awards recognize people, groups and characters that have contributed to spreading oshikatsu culture across different industries and fields.
- VTuber
- Event
